We are told over and over again about the physical benefits of exercise. Exercising just 20 minutes a day controls your weight, combats numerous health conditions and diseases, and boosts energy. That’s reason enough to make time in our every day lives to exercise. But in addition to the physical benefits, there are also several psychological benefits to getting your body moving. According to MayoClinic.com, ‘Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem.’
How awesome that by simply moving your body you can get an instant mood boost! Now there’s even more evidence proving exercise has a direct link to happiness. A study in the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology adds more evidence to the ‘happiness’ benefits of exercising. Researchers explain, ‘People who are more physically active have more pleasant-activated feelings than people who are less active, and we also found that people have more pleasant-activated feelings on days when they are more physically active than usual.’
The equation is simple, people who exercise more are generally happier than those who are less active.
Now there’s even more reason to stick to your New Years resolution to exercise!
Remember, exercise doesn’t always have to be vigorous for you to reap the benefits. Just a moderate-paced walk for 30 minutes will cause those feel-good hormones (aka endorphins) to be released in the brain. What’s good for the body, is also good for the mind! Happy exercising!
source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/09/exercise-happy-enthusiasm-excitement_n_1263345.html
source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/exercise/art-20048389